Short Story Collection Discussion Questions

Select a story to view the corresponding discussion questions.

A Race with the Sun

The Adventure of the Second Stain

The Blue Cross

The Five Orange Pips

The Mysterious Mummy

The Secret Garden

The Stranger's Latchkey

Tobermory

The Warder of the Door

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A Race with the Sun

1. In the story, the main character, Mr. Gilchrist, cannot place where he has met Mrs. Kruse before. How has he been introduced to her before?
2. This is a wonderful adventure story. Can you think of other adventure stories that you enjoyed, either in book or film?
3. Predict what happened after the end of the story, since the bad guys made off with crucial knowledge to create the powerful explosive.

The Adventure of the Second Stain

1. What would you have done if you were confronted with the choice that Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope faced?
2. Every now and then, we hear real life stories of people who have secret spouses or families, hidden from another spouse or family. Discuss all the things you would have to do to conceal a second spouse or family, like Mr. Lucas did.
3. Imagine all the world events that could be set awry by the loss of a letter, or the misunderstanding between two leaders. In this lens, is it surprising we don't have more international incidences occur based on mistakes that would otherwise seem trivial?

The Blue Cross

1. Discuss the significance of the names of the characters in this story: Flambeau, the thief; Father Brown, the Essex cleric; and Valentin, the world–famous detective.
2. Valentin's method for finding Flambeau successfully seemed to be based on intuition, rather than evidence and logic. Do you think that sometimes intuition is more important in decision making than logic and reason?
3. What the traits necessary to make a good detective? Would you have made a good detective?

The Five Orange Pips

1. Was this story less satisfying to read because there was no clear resolution to the mystery?
2. Obviously the KKK is a terrible stain on America's history. What are some "stains" in other countries' histories?
3. What would you have done if you were the young Openshaw upon receiving the orange pips?

The Mysterious Mummy

1. Have you ever visited a history or art museum? If so, what was your favorite exhibit? Favorite museum?
2. Are museums vital for societies and cultures? What are their benefits, and what are their costs?
3. As a society, we agree that stealing is bad, but if you could get away with it, is there some item you would steal because you love it so much?

The Secret Garden

1. Investigating a murder requires identifying the killer's motive. What was Valentin's motive to kill Brayne? What are the classic motives of most murders?
2. How are Valentin and Father Brown opposite, and unexpected characters in the story.
3. When you think of France, what comes to mind? Have you traveled to France? Would you like to?

The Stranger's Latchkey

1. Characterize Mrs. Haldean, Freddy's mother. Is she a likable woman?
2. Have you ever experienced a panic when your child wandered off or hid from you?
3. How are Thorndyke and Mrs. Haldean opposites in the story?

Tobermory

1. Would you like it if your pets could carry on a conversation with you? Or is part of the attraction to animals that they can't talk to us?
2. What do you think would have happened if Tobermory were a dog?
3. Do you think Tobermory caused any reflection and change of behavior in the story's characters?

The Warder of the Door

1. Do you believe in curses or other kinds of superstitions?
2. This story tells us that it is best to face our fears in order to overcome them. Have you ever had to face a fear? What was it and what was the outcome?
3. What do you suppose Clinton's predecessor did to warrant the curse being placed on his family?